Yesterday I had one of those days when I started to grumble at the day to day responsibilities of life.  It all started with the groceries, and come to find out – this kind of grumble always starts with the groceries (maybe I’m sensing a pattern here).

The domino effect of my grumble started because I had waited until about 4:30 on Sunday to figure out what my meal plan for the week was.  At that point, I quickly realized that I didn’t really have enough time to get the groceries before church, and for whatever reason, that just didn’t sit well with me.  My mind started thinking, “If I don’t get groceries before church, then I have to get them after church when it is late, and then I still don’t have food for Monday lunch (unless I do PB&J).” Lets just say that PB&J is a last resort.  A desperate resort.

At this point, all I can say is poor Billy.  He offered up great suggestions left and right to problem solve this, and I shot every one of them down.

Then by God’s grace for me (or maybe for Billy) a part of me remembered the family we’re helping and how food is something they struggle with in an entirely different way.  They not only struggle with what to eat, but how to pay for it.  This in itself humbled me enough to relent and realize I was being ridiculous in my complaints.

Then, in case that wasn’t enough to drive me to repentance, I went to church and we read Luke 12: 29-31.

And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.  For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.  Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

What I love about this passage is that it isn’t just telling me not to ever make a meal plan, or to worry – but to have different concerns all together.

The primary point of this is to convict us that if our worries are always in the day to day stuff, we will miss the larger picture.  The point of this is that if I no longer seek and worry about what I’m going to eat or drink (or whatever my primary concern is) –  I just may see that my primary aim, my primary motivation and energy in my life should be seeking his kingdom.  This, and only this direction in my life can satisfy the desire in my heart for something more.  This and only this makes  every hassle, every struggle, and even every day,  worth living.

Psalm 41:17 says, “As for me, I’m poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me”.  I’m so thankful that God takes thought for me.  That he lets me get upset about my stupid meal plan, so that I may see the grace he’s given me in allowing me to be part of his kingdom.